How a software company is microwaving Alberta's oilsands
Posted: Tue May 10, 2022 1:40 am
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bakx-a ... -1.6442971
Similar to heating a cup of water in a microwave oven, Acceleware injects so-called radio frequency energy underground to heat oil in order for it to flow down into a production well.
As oilsands companies work to meet their climate targets and face an incoming limit on total emissions from the federal government, there has never been as much focus on how the industry in northern Alberta can cut its vast air pollution. The result is a wave of technological innovation, including ideas first conceived many decades ago — like "microwaving" the oil out of the ground.
That's essentially the technology developed by Calgary-based software company Acceleware, which began producing oil at its demonstration facility in the province last month near Lloydminster.
Underground, the company uses radio waves to heat up oil, which is then pumped to the surface. The technology remains in development and still faces challenges, but its backers say it has the potential to cut carbon emissions in the sector.
Similar to heating a cup of water in a microwave oven, Acceleware injects so-called radio frequency energy underground to heat oil in order for it to flow down into a production well.
As oilsands companies work to meet their climate targets and face an incoming limit on total emissions from the federal government, there has never been as much focus on how the industry in northern Alberta can cut its vast air pollution. The result is a wave of technological innovation, including ideas first conceived many decades ago — like "microwaving" the oil out of the ground.
That's essentially the technology developed by Calgary-based software company Acceleware, which began producing oil at its demonstration facility in the province last month near Lloydminster.
Underground, the company uses radio waves to heat up oil, which is then pumped to the surface. The technology remains in development and still faces challenges, but its backers say it has the potential to cut carbon emissions in the sector.